can you convert a hardtail mountain bike frame to a full-suspension frame?

Answer 1

Not unless you have a fully-equipped machine shop, no. And even then, the end result might not be much good. It's not just a matter of chopping up a hardtail frame and welding on a few things-- The suspension system, pivot and frame all need to be designed to work right with each other.

Answer 2

As previous responders indicated, it's possible to convert a hardtail to full suspension but not very practical. However there is a way to give some cush to a hardtail without adding a lot of weight or costing an arm and a leg. A suspension seat post will take some of the edge off the harsh stuff for normal cross country riding. They start out in price around 30 bucks for the least expensive models and go on up for posts with more adjustablility and travel. A caution though, don't expect a suspension post to turn your hardtail into a big travel, free ride bike.

Answer 3

Hey Allstar,

-Back in the mid to late 90's a company called "Shockster" by Bike Control developed an add-on rear suspension device for hardtails. Ya, this thing actually works OK, other than it weights a lot. You can purchase NOS (New Old Stock) Shocksters on E-bay for a bout $30 bucks. These retailed back in the 90's for about $300 bucks and it comes in Red, Black and Silver to match most bike frames. Here are some reviews from people who purchased and used the Shockster from Mountain Bike Review. Hope this helps. = )

http://www.mtbr.com/reviews/olderrearshocks/product_22526.shtml

Here is a picture of the thing installed on a hardtail:
http://bluecollarmtb.com/2005/04/13/shockster/

Answer 4

No, I wouldn't suggest you do it. There have been some prototype stuff done now and then, but I doubt the bikes would be reliable, of a decent weight, and the full suspension mechanism will most probably suck outright.

Geometries are different, and in a full suspension, how everything is designed (where to place the pivot(s), length of the chainstays, seatstays, etc) makes a big difference how the bike works.

The only way to do it is, you hold your seatpost, remove it from your hardtail, and then insert it into a full suspension frame...

So, while it's a nice idea, it is not a good one, and you won't get a good bike if you work something out.

Answer 5

Yes, of course it is possible.
But will the resulting frame work as good or better than a real full-suspension frame. Yes, but provided that you have the following:
1) Knowledge and skill in suspension frame building (frame geometry, welding techniques, metal properties, stress points and counteracting forces, tube strenghtening processes, linkage and wheel movement, suspension ramp-up rate, techniques to eliminate pedal-induced bobbing and reduce brake-jacking, etc.)
2) Definite and accurate building plans (which you yourself have to make): measurements, proceedure steps, parts/materials, etc.
3) Materials and components: tubing, metal braces, aluminum billets/blocks, bearings, bushings, bolts, nuts, spindles, rear shock,etc.
4) Equipment: Machining shop/equipment, welding and brazing equipment, sawing tools, shaping tools, grinding tools,etc.
5) Experience. This is the most hard to obtain. When building bike frames, you will eventually come to the point when nothing that you've done so far doesn't work. So some part of the building process takes some trial and error because not evething that works on paper or in theory, will work in the real world.

So go ahead and build your full-suspension frame, whether from scratch or from modifying a hardtail frame. The building process can be as rewarding as the final product, oftentimes even more (whether you succed or not). Factor in the practicality of the project. Remember, this will require more of your time, effort, financial resources, and some level of risk-taking because the end result might not be as reliable as the full-suspension frames already available in the market which have been made using the best technology and materials, extensive research and development, and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes.

Answer 6

Hardtail Or Full Suspension

Answer 7

only if you swap out the frame. no, you cant slap a shock on a hardtail and expect it to work.

Answer 8

Techinically its possible but I think you would be better off buying a full suspension frame instead.

Answer 9

1

Answer 10

of course it can be done, and it has been done.. its probably going to cost more then just buying a full sus frame, but that shouldnt stop you.